The chocolate-and-blues won last night’s big top-of-the-table clash against St Martin’s at Blanche Pierre Lane, 3-1, with the sending off of home goalkeeper Max Wall early in the second half – and Keene Domaille’s subsequent penalty that gave North the lead for the second time in the match – a decisive moment in the game and, arguably, Saints’ defence of the title.
In the first half Owen Wallbridge had given North the lead after 12 minutes with a fine finish into the top corner after Dave Rihoy and Jamie Smith did well in the build up.
However, Saints hit back immediately with Sam Hall’s deep free-kick headed back across goal by Ben Solway for George Goubert to drive home the equaliser.
Saints enjoyed more of the possession during the opening 45 minutes and Goubert went close to putting his side ahead on the stroke of half-time, but his left-footed strike hit the crossbar.
The big moment of the game came five minutes into the second half when Mason Prigent reached a through ball just ahead of Wall and he got clattered by the committed Saints keeper. Referee Tom Strawbridge pointed to the spot, consulted with his assistant while both players received treatment, and issued the red card once Wall was back on his feet.
Ashley Williams, who has plenty of previous experience between the sticks for Sylvans, came on and his first task was to pick the ball out of the net having been beaten by Domaille from 12 yards.
Saints fought hard for the remainder of the game, despite being a man down, but North withstood the pressure and the excellent Prigent wrapped up the three points with a deserved goal in the 90th minute.
The result took North two points clear at the top still with two games in hand on their nearest rivals.
However, head coach Charlie Le Prevost was quick to point out that his side still have a big challenge coming up with four games in eight days starting with Rangers on Saturday.
‘It’s just three points isn’t it? We have four games in a week coming up, so that will test us, test the squad out. So yeah, nothing’s taken for granted. We’ll just see how we get on in the next week,’ he said.
In Tuesday night’s match, Bertie Beddow scored the only goal of the game as Vale Rec beat Sylvans 1-0.
